When deciding to enter into the WGI Regional in Holland at the last minute, Northern Academy were faced with a late entry and going on 1st out of a group of 9 Open class guards. A tough spot when your program hasn't been seen before in any competition.

The trip started well with not all of the luggage looking like it would fit into the coach, and some pretty concerned faces amongst the staff when it was suggested that the floor should remain in England to make space for the bags :-/

Despite that, the journey was amazing fun, and everyone mucked in to ensure that the whole trip was a success. from the moment we hot foreign soil until the moment we returned, I don't think there was a moment when there wasn't laughter and a brilliant atmosphere all the way.

Having had to travel the longest distance of all the guards, it wasn't surprising that the first performance in the morning was by an extremely tired group of people. Despite that, Northern Academy still managed to secure a respectable ranking and made the Finals even in the evening, which would give them time to refresh themselves and to perform the program much better.

They did not disappoint, and their finals performance was like watching a different guard from the mornings prelims competition. The poise and reverence that befits this program were now evident, and the conclusion to the show was executed with an abundance of emotion that was very warmly received by an enthiewsiastic audience.

Overall, 6th place, but within touching distance of the other two leading UK guards, the Southern Knights and Mayflower, with three of the top 6 spots all going to Dutch guards on the day. Top honors going to Beatrix.

The race is now on for the domestic title and you can be sure that Northern Academy will be in the thick of the action come finals.

Paul Morgan, Chairman of NAPA comments "I am extremely proud of the whole of the team for making the trip such a magnificent experience. I would like to personally thank our fantastic hosts Ronald and Rene Vallinga for the use of their Music Centre for the trip and for their hospitality while we were there. I am sure that we will be only too pleased to return the compliment should they travel to the UK"

Congratulations to all competing guards, and especially to all the UK guards who made the trip. It was great to see such unified support throughout the whole competition.